Smooth Commerce, a mobile order and payment solution for retail verticals, has added Glen Johnson as its chief commercial officer.

Johnson has a 30-year career in technology, financial services, and professional sports; he was most recently SVP at the Canadian Football League. In the past, he’s acted as SVP of product ventures at Intelliware Development, and has held senior leadership roles at Manulife Financial, GE Capital, and Deloitte Consulting. As chief commercial officer, Johnson will be developing the company’s partnerships, market expansion, and product management.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Glen to our growing team,” said Brian Deck, CEO of Smooth Commerce. “With a track record of delivering solutions and developing strategic relationships with organizations such as Shoppers Drug Mart, the NFL, Rogers, ADP, RBC, and others, Glen brings to the table a level of expertise and deep connections to the industry that will complement our leadership team.”

Smooth Commerce’s platform allows merchants to build native mobile apps, including order-ahead features, loyalty rewards, offers, and personalized promotions. In November 2017, the company raised $2 million, partly to build out its team.

“After leading and implementing key process and technology changes in Football Ops at the CFL, it’s great to be back on the services side,” said Johnson. “I’m so pleased to join the leadership group at Smooth Commerce, along with its talented team and world class Board of Directors to deliver solutions in the evolving Fintech space. The growth in mobile payments, order-ahead solutions, AI and blockchain make this such an exciting opportunity for me.”

Wiivv announces Silicon Valley hire as new VP of marketing

Vancouver-based Wiivv, which develops customized apparel and footwear, announced that it has appointed Aron Tremble as VP of marketing and partnerships.

Tremble has held the role of senior director of software experience and products at HP, where he focused on customer experiences, marketing, and partnerships with companies like Google, Alibaba and Microsoft.

“Our 2018 focus is on launching new products, partnering with remarkable brands, and increasing our customer base. Aron’s wealth of experience and knowledge of the consumer tech industry, as well as his passion for amplifying brands, developing award-winning teams, and building strategic relationships make him a timely addition to the Wiivv team,” said Shamil Hargovan, CEO at Wiivv. “This important hire symbolizes Wiivv’s enduring commitment to bringing the very best talent to our team. The Vancouver tech ecosystem just gained a huge asset; Aron is a natural coach and collaborator.”

In February 2017, Wiivv raised a $5.2 million Series A and acquired an Arizona-based competitor also developing 3D printed custom insoles for athletes. It soon went back to Kickstarter, where it first launched its product, to enter the sandals industry.

“Wiivv is a truly unique company, using software to change customer experiences from mass manufacturing to custom made products. We empower people on their feet and all it takes is a smartphone,” said Tremble. “I’m thrilled to be working with the team to grow awareness and create opportunities to scale the business.”

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